Check -out at a hotel is the moment when a guest completes the duration of their stay, then hands over the keys at reception and leaves the tourist accommodation.
Whenever you book a hotel room, you must be clear about check-in time and check-out time
Each type of tourist accommodation defines its own check-in and check-out times early check-in and late check-out depending on current demand.
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To check out of the hotel, you must go to reception to return your keys . The receptionist will check if there are any additional charges on top of your reservation. If so, you will need to pay them at that time.
Currently, you rarely need to leave any identification documents at reception to collect them upon departure due to the "Personal Data Protection Act and guarantee of digital rights" . If, due to any exceptional circumstances, you have had to leave them at reception, you must collect them when checking out.
On the other hand, if you haven't paid for your hotel stay in advance, you'll need to pay at check-out. In this case, payment is almost always made at check-in .
Since December 2024 , all hotels in Spain have been required to electronically register the data of each guest through the official SES.HOSPEDAJES , in accordance with Royal Decree 933/2021 . This registration must be completed within the first 24 hours after check-in and stored for at least three years to comply with tourism and public safety regulations. Adherence to this protocol is essential to avoid penalties and ensure traceability and safety in tourist accommodations.
Check-out takes place on the the room reservation ends 10:00 and 12:00 , although each hotel will define its own specific check-out time.
Normally, check-out is usually at midday so that the cleaning service can access the room and prepare it for the next reservation.
To find out the check-out time of the hotel where you are staying, we recommend that you visit the hotel's website or ask at reception when you check in. It is important to know this information so that guests can prepare to leave their room in time.
late check-out service and the key handover time is exceeded without justification, some establishments apply additional charges .
If you need to check out at a specific time and have a lot of free time, you can ask at the hotel reception if you can stay in the lobby or even by the pool, weather permitting. You can also leave your luggage using the hotel's luggage storage
Also known as scheduled check-out . In standard check-out, the guest returns the keys and checks out within the hours set by the hotel.
The guest is forced to check out before the end of their stay due to force majeure .
This involves digitizing the check-out process , so guests don't have to worry about handing over their keys. Typically, establishments that have implemented this system use smart locks integrated with check-in management applications or PMS (Property Management Systems).
More and more hotels are implementing digital check-out , integrating smart locks and property management systems (PMS) that allow guests to end their stay without going to reception, streamlining the process and improving the experience. This system complies with the electronic registration and billing regulations in force in 2025 .
Some hotels offer a late check-out . This service allows guests to check out later than out time , giving them a longer stay in their room. Because this service is more exclusive, it usually incurs a surcharge , although guests have the right to decline it, and the hotel is responsible for clarifying the terms of the late check-out service.
Hotels typically allow guests to use the facilities in the common areas after checkout, although this depends on each hotel's policies. For example, it's very common in the summer to stay at the hotel pool after checking out.
A hotel always reserves the right to decide how long a guest can remain in the lobby after check-out. Guests should inquire at reception if they can use the facilities after checking out. It's important to know that policies regarding lingering after check-out may vary, and the hotel may limit this time to ensure good service and room preparation for the next guests. Therefore, it's always advisable to check with reception to avoid any misunderstandings.
Each hotel has its own policies regarding extended check-out times. If you need to extend your check-out time, you should call reception to let them know. Generally, check-out can be extended up to two hours before the next guest's arrival to allow housekeeping time and ensure everything is ready for the next guest.
